Monday, January 21, 2013

Summary from GoodReads: A Deadly Diagnosis In the fifth and final book in the Redemption series, plans are being made for a family reunion. Nearly all the adult Baxter children have a reason to celebrate - except one. As the preparations get under way, a deadly diagnosis sends shock waves through the Baxter family and threatens to tear them apart. A heartbreaking secret the reality of what might lie ahead brings each of the Baxters to a place of faith and honesty. In the process, Elizabeth and John come to grips with a secret they haven't shared with anyone, a secret they rarely admit even to themselves. At the same time, a young man is making his rise in Hollywood and wondering about his place in life. A glorious celebration amidst the threat of sorrow, the Baxters share in their most wonderful celebration of all - a moment to remember that love always wins out, no matter how long the struggle, a reminder that God reigns even in the darkest night. A story of God's grace and redemption, his victory even in the most difficult times.

In the final book of the Redemption series, the Baxter family has many changes happening that will change everyone forever. It wraps up story with all the children. Will Erin and Sam be able to adopt a child? Will Ashley and Landon get married? Will the family learn of the secret that Elizabeth and John have been hiding for over 30 years?

This book was a great conclusion to the Redemption series. Although it ended with some heart break, the book leads to the beginning of the next series, First Born, very nicely. I personally have to take a break from Karen's books right now. I love them dearly but they can be emotionally heavy to me. I will start the next series soon though.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Summary from GoodReads: A Terrible Tragedy Brooke and Peter are struggling in their marriage when they are faced with the single worst moment ever. What was supposed to be a pool party for their two daughters and a handful of children ends in disaster. As three-year-old Hayley fights for her life, the Baxter family draws together, not even sure how to pray. A Shattered Life Peter is devastated by Hayley's accident. Unable to see past his own guilt, he distances himself from Brooke and their girls and finds other ways to ease his pain. Illegal ways. Peter's choices send him spiraling into a cavernous abyss that threatens to destroy not only his relationship with Brooke but his life. A Reason to Rejoice Against the backdrop of great pain and loss, a Baxter wedding takes place in New York City, a wedding that gives all of them a reason to smile again. Now, what will it take for Brooke and the Baxters to move forward, and how will the sudden loss of one special woman change them all?

This was a great part of the story of the Baxter family. Brooke and Peter have been having a difficult marriage and when their daughter Hayley has an accident that changes her forever, there is no turning back. Peter blames himself and removes himself from Brooke and their two children. Meanwhile, Ashley is trying to move on with her life without Landon. Luke and Reagan are getting married in NYC on Christmas Eve. What will happen with Brooke and Peter? Will Hayley ever recover? What will become of Ashley and Landon?

Man, I feel like I am a part of this family. There are so many challenges that they all have to overcome. Will this family ever get a break? I am looking forward to finishing Reunion, book #5 of the Redemption series. I'm glad I am finishing this series before jumping into anything else for 2013. I have a feeling that it will be hard to not jump into the next series with the Baxters.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

This weekend, while my hubby was in Vermont snowmobiling with the guys, I started a class on Craftsy called Amigurumi: Woodland Animals. Here is the first of four projects from that class, Blue Bird:

He was fun to make. I loved these videos! They are easy to follow, understand and Stacey's knowledge comes out clearly in her gentle voice. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn amigurumi! Also, I googled Craftsy coupons and I found one, it has expired on 1/5/13, that was $14.99 for my first Craftsy class. I figured it was a deal since I was getting 4 Fresh Stitches patterns and unlimited use of the Craftsy videos.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I made it to make my snowmobile! Since I have made 4 other hats, I figured it was time for me to have one too. I just wanted a basic hat to wear after snowmobiling and having messy hair after wearing a helmet. I kept it simple by making it a solid color without stripes this time. Stripes annoy me! LOL!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Here is my next attempt at crocheted amigurumi. Meet Lark the Monster:

She is quite bigger than the last one I made. The only thing that I would change would be the size of the hook. I used an H like the pattern called for but when you look up close, it is not as tight as I would like it to be. She was fun to make! She is living on my bookcase in my craft room. I bet you can figure out what my hubby thought the eyes reminded him of!!! LMAO!!!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Summary from GoodReads: In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher's desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.

Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher's most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world--with surprising results. Fisher's trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

In the final book of the Stoney Ridge series, Mary Kate (MK) Lapp ends up becoming the school teacher after running into the current teacher. This is very challenging for her but it is a grea way for her to use some of her nervous energy. Along the way, she gets to know Chris Yoder who is working on her father's farm. She accusses him of a crime and their friendship is never the same. Did Chris Yoder commit the crimes that he is accussed of? Will MK survive being the school teacher? What does the future hold for MK?

I really enjoyed this third and final book in the Stoney Ridge series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. In the other two books, MK is much younger and always in trouble. It is nice to see her grown up and making a life for herself.

A special thanks to Revell for allowing me to review this book in advance. Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Here is my first attempt at crocheting amigurumi. Amigurumi is defined as the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. I have done tons of knitted monsters and thought I would try crocheting now. Here it is:

He did not take much time or yarn to make him. I think it may be quicker to crochet one than knit one. But then tends to be true about everything. He was bald so I had to add some hair to give him some more personality. I brought it to work and it was scooped up within minutes.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Summary from GoodReads: A fresh new look for the best-selling series from America's number-one inspirational novelist, Karen Kingsbury. Fans will enjoy a personal note from Karen and Gary Smalley as well as discussion questions for book group use. Revisit the Baxter family in all their life-changing events, or share the series with someone who hasn't discovered it yet. The Redemption series won "Christian Retailing"'s 2005 Retailer's Choice Award for Best Series! This touching novel reunites readers with the Baxter family and focuses on the only Baxter son, Luke. He is determined to leave his faith and his past behind and embrace a new, free-thinking future. But what he doesn't realize is that his past holds a secret even he doesn't know. When Luke finds out, his comfortable new life is turned upside down, and he must turn back to his roots.

In book #3 of the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury, the story focuses on Luke, the youngest child and only son. Luke is leading a new life, one without his family, friends and faith. He is strongly against the ways and beliefs of his upbringing. When he learns about the changes in Reagan's life since she went back to New York City to be with her mother after her father dies in the World Trade Center Towers, will he change his ways? Ashley plays a major role in getting Luke back into the family. But she has a secret of her own, one that will change her life and the Baxters forever.

I really enjoyed this book! I read it rather quickly and I jumped right into #4 - Rejoice. I love this series and I cannot wait to see how it wraps up!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

I casted on 112 stitches and did 2” of 2x2 ribbing. Then I did 15 rows of my MC, then 6 rows of CC and did 10 more rows of MC before beginning the decreases.

I made one (well it took 3 tries though) for hubby last year. But yesterday he was looking for it to go snowmobiling and it was missing. I couldn’t help him look for it because he is hiding my Christmas presents in the closet where it would be (and you know they aren’t wrapped yet)! I bet I’ll find it and then he’ll have 2 hats just in case.

Update: I found it in the closet today after 20 seconds of searching and moving 2 pairs of boots. He’s in trouble now!

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